A. Travel demand management involves the implementation of strategies and programs which reduce traffic congestion, vehicle miles traveled (“VMT”), and/or vehicle trips (“VT”), which result in reduction in mobile source emissions. The following are measures being implemented by the City. Control measures implemented by the City prior to being improved by any other regulatory agency will result in the City achieving credit for trip reductions and corresponding improvements in the roadway and intersection level of service (“LOS”) on the City’s CMP network.
B. Measures Presently Implemented by the City.
1. Transit/Multiple Occupancy Vehicle Service.
a. The City is a member of the Victor Valley Transit Services Authority (“VVTSA”), which provides multiple occupancy vehicle service to the City. Approximately nine hundred fifteen (915) miles of roads are serviced by the current route, with monthly ridership in excess of twenty thousand (20,000). The availability of this service reduces traffic congestion, VMT and VT. The fixed-route network will be periodically evaluated to determine appropriate revisions and expansion based upon new development and levels of ridership. The City, with the VVTSA, has promoted the use of this service through various public information measures. These include:
(1) Television commercials on local television and radio stations;
(2) Appearance by the transit manager on local television and radio talk shows, and at community group meetings;
(3) Availability of bus schedules at various City locations, including City Hall and other places of public assembly; and
(4) Notification of City residents of the service through the City newsletter and quarterly recreation and park district newsletter.
The City will continue to encourage public information programs which promote the use of alternate modes of transportation.
b. Bus/Multiple Occupancy Vehicle Turnouts. Bus turnouts are required to be designed and installed as a condition of approval for new developments which are likely to generate significant quantities of arriving/departing traffic. These turnouts are provided to accommodate existing bus service routes and to encourage the expansion of service to new developments.
2. Bicycle Program. The City adopted Ordinance 130 establishing a City-wide bicycle trail system and associated design standards. The purpose of the system is to establish a long range plan for the City that will encourage the development and use of bicycles for commuter-oriented transportation. The City is an active participant in the Bicycle Plan Advisory Committee, a standing committee of SANBAG, that is pursuing the establishment of a regional bicycle transportation network.
3. Promotion of Land Use Regulations.
a. Amend Zoning Regulations. The City has adopted Ordinance 126 which established a service commercial (C-3) zone district. This district broadens the number and types of retail and service uses that are allowed in areas with proximity to the industrial area with a high concentration of daytime employees. This zoning amendment benefits the reduction of VT and VMT by providing convenient access to vital consumer services and products to industrial employees.
b. Encourage Mixed-use Development. The City encourages the implementation of master-planned mixed-use developments as evidenced by the approval of the ten thousand (10,000) acre Rancho Las Flores planned development and by the planned mix-use general plan designation of over two thousand (2,000) acres of land contained within the City’s current corporate boundaries. These mixed-use developments facilitate optimum VT and VMT ratios by such measures as residential density clustering, planned proximity to work places and commerce and by encouraging efficient roadway infrastructure as well as alternative transit infrastructure.
4. Traffic Flow Improvements.
a. Traffic Signals.
(1) Traffic Signal Coordination. Existing and new traffic signals are being coordinated to increase uninterrupted vehicle travel.
(2) Traffic Signal Timing. Existing and new traffic signals are periodically evaluated to ensure cycle times are optimal for traffic movement.
(3) Traffic signal improvements are being used to increase roadway efficiency and capacity during peak travel periods, resulting in improved vehicle movement.
b. Modification to Vehicle Travel Lanes. The City reviews new developments to determine if additional travel lanes for acceleration/deceleration purposes are needed. This is required at major street intersections and/or major street entrance(s) to development projects.
5. Trip Reduction Ordinance. The City participated in the preparation of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District’s Rule 1701, Employer Based Trip Reduction. This Rule encourages participation in home-to-work commute alternatives by employers with one hundred (100) or more employees, when thirty-three (33) or more arrive to work sites during the peak travel period. The district is currently evaluating the effectiveness of the Rule in terms of emission reduction. The City will cooperate with the district during this evaluation period; and if the Rule is implemented by the district, the City will work to implement a trip reduction ordinance for its employees.